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Mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti picked up the support of San Fernando Valley Councilman Paul Krekorian on Monday.

Krekorian — whose Second Council District is in the East valley — endorsed Garcetti over Wendy Greuel. That's called payback: When Krekorian first ran for CD2, Greuel backed another candidate – Chris Essel. (Greuel represented CD 2 from 2002 to 2009.)

“Right now, more than ever, we need a mayor who will have the courage to deal honestly with the budget challenges we face," said Krekorian, who chairs the Budget and Finance Committee. "We need somebody who's going to think innovatively about new ways to deliver government services."

“As mayor, Eric's going to make sure the San Fernando Valley and all of Los Angeles are the best they can be.”

The Valley is considered a strong base for Greuel. A Los Angeles Times breakdown of the March 5 vote shows the Valley leaned toward Greuel and Republican Kevin James. An exit poll from Loyola Marymount University estimated that 34 percent of Valley voters supported Greuel.

Krekorian is the latest sitting council member to make an endorsement in the mayor’s race. Councilman Ed Reyes has also backed Garcetti. In the Greuel camp are Councilmen Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar and incoming Councilman Felipe Fuentes. (Reyes and Rosendahl are leaving the council in July.)

Council President Herb Wesson has not yet endorsed, though he may before the May runoff, according to a spokesman. Councilman Bernard Parks endorsed Jan Perry, whose campaign ended with the primary.

Backing the wrong mayoral candidate could pose challenges for council members with the next mayor’s administration. Though Los Angeles has a weak mayoral system, the mayor can make behind-the-scenes transactions go smoother.

Previously in Represent!

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